09/13/2024
NNational Association of Hispanic JournalistsSports Task Force calls for transparency and equity in treatment of media covering Canelo Álvarez
The National Association of Hispanic Journalists Sports Task Force calls on Canelo Álvarez, Matchroom Boxing and DAZN, along with any contractors hired to help stage Álvarez bouts, to commit to transparency and equity in treatment of all media.
Veteran award-winning boxing broadcaster Ricardo Celis, an NAHJ member, said DAZN informed him he was removed from the team calling Álvarez’s fight on Saturday, Sept. 14, at the boxer’s request. It is the second time this year Celis was pulled from his customary position within the DAZN broadcast lineup, previously learning he was removed from the team covering Álvarez’s May 4, 2024, bout at the boxer’s request.
Celis requested an explanation from Álvarez’s team and an opportunity to meet to discuss the issue. The NAHJ Sports Task Force asked Álvarez’s team for an explanation why Celis and another journalist critical of the boxer’s opponent selection were banned from covering the May bout and a spokesperson referred any questions regarding media access to third-party fight promoter Matchroom Productions.
Celis and other Latino journalists play important roles covering combat sports, asking questions on behalf of fans and holding athletes and promoters accountable for observing rules that help create fair fights. Journalists covering Álvarez should be free to raise professional questions without fear their credentials will be removed just as journalists covering the NFL, NBA, MLB and other professional sports do on a daily basis.
At minimum, Celis deserves an explanation for why he was blocked from the broadcast lineup and a chance to make his case for the opportunity to continue doing his job.
Iliana Limón Romero and Joe Rodriguez,
NAHJ Sports Task Force co-chairs
